Category: Philippines
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The Challenges of Imposing Developed World Policies on Developing Nations
According to ActionAid research, more than $650 billion in annual public subsidies support fossil fuel businesses, which not only exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation but also divert crucial funds away from climate financing in developing nations. This means that while fossil fuel industries receive massive support, developing countries are left with significantly less…
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Philippine National ID System Faces Delays, Data Privacy Concerns
The Philippine National ID project, established to expedite identification processes, has had severe delays and complications. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) terminated its contract with AllCard Inc. because the provider failed to supply the expected amount of IDs, producing just half of the required 116 million cards. Despite assurances, many receivers found the paper…
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Cebu City Prepares for Potential Mpox Outbreak Amid Controversy
The Cebu City Health Department (CHD) is preparing the Cebu City Quarantine Center (CCQC) as a precaution against a possible mpox outbreak. The CHD is monitoring one suspected case and collaborating with local health centers to track any future cases. The country’s first verified case of mpox this year prompted the start of information dissemination.…
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Should the Philippines Update Its Defense Treaty Amid Rising Tensions?
The National Maritime Council (NMC) suggests that the Philippines and the United States review their 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty to address modern security challenges. NMC spokesperson Alexander Lopez emphasized the need to update the treaty in light of significant changes in the strategic landscape. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also advocated broadening the treaty’s provisions…
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Malaysia and Indonesia Heighten Mpox Measures Amid Global Health Alert
Malaysia is enhancing its surveillance and advocacy efforts for mpox after the WHO declared a global public health emergency for the second time. Travelers from countries with mpox cases must monitor their health for 21 days upon entering Malaysia. The Health Ministry advises those with risky activities or symptoms to seek immediate medical attention and…
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DOH Identifies New mpox Case Following Global Health Emergency Declaration
The Philippines has detected its tenth mpox case, involving a 33-year-old Filipino male with no recent travel history. The patient developed symptoms, including a fever and rash, and was confirmed positive through a PCR test. The Department of Health (DOH) emphasized that the virus spreads through close contact and contaminated materials and can be killed…
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Philippines Turn to Online Learning to Improve PISA Scores: What Could Go Wrong?
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has signed a memorandum of agreement with Khan Academy Philippines to enhance Filipino students’ performance in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the need for improved internet connectivity to facilitate the use of Khan Academy, an online learning platform that aims…
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Educators in Exodus: The Philippines Faces a Teacher Crisis
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines is alarmed by the increasing number of public school teachers seeking job opportunities abroad, prompting the establishment of a new Cabinet cluster on education. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara highlighted the urgency of addressing deep-seated issues within the education sector, noting that many teachers are leaving for…
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Smartmatic: Election Integrity Under Fire
Three current and former Smartmatic executives, including its president, Roger Piñate, have been indicted in the US for allegedly bribing a former Philippine election official to secure business for the 2016 elections. Smartmatic stated that the indicted executives have been placed on leave but emphasized that no voter fraud has been alleged against the company…
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COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: Philippines Investigates Spike in Deaths
Government officials in the Philippines are investigating a surge in deaths coinciding with the COVID-19 vaccination program, noting a 43% increase in mortality in 2021. Lawmakers are examining over 290,000 excess deaths among vaccinated individuals, exploring potential links to the vaccines. During hearings, data analysts and experts highlighted a spike in mortality starting in March…
